Manchester United have had a year to forget in 2025, but as this calendar year draws to a close, surely 2026 cannot be any worse?
Ruben Amorim is heading into his second new year as Manchester United head coach, and he will be hoping that it brings him far more success than the previous one did.
Last December, our bold predictions for 2025 were made, and only one came true.
We had Chido Obi down to make his United debut, which happened, but Amir Ibragimov still hasn’t.
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The Europa League trophy was another prediction, and United only made it to the final, although they did deserve the win on the night.
Finally, we expected Amad to become the league’s best winger, and while he has not, if Amorim used him as a right winger, he might have done.
But this is all in the past now. What are our bold predictions for 2026?
Ruben Amorim finally turns the reds around
The opening year and a bit of Ruben Amorim’s managerial reign at Manchester United has been anything but smooth, but recently, there have been signs worth getting excited over.
United might not be winning every game, but even in defeat or draws, Amorim is coaching his side to victories and has even adapted his system.
Do Ruben Amorim’s comments feel familiar to you?
Which other games have United been better this season and failed to win? Is it down to Amorim, or the players?
If this continues, United will only improve, and with a couple of additions in January, we think Amorim gets United Champions League football and maybe even a long run in the FA Cup.
Next season is when Amorim should really be mounting a title charge, but if we are wrong about the improvements expected in the new year, he might be gone by July.
JJ Gabriel becomes first-team squad member
Despite being 15 already, JJ Gabriel is arguably the most exciting talent Carrington has had in a long time.
As a result, Amorim has taken Gabriel into first-team training as the club looks to slowly build him up. He will be eligible to play in the FA Cup against Brighton, but will have to wait until next August to be considered by Amorim for a Premier League bow.
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With Barcelona pushing to sign Gabriel before he commits to United with a pre-professional contract in 2027, the club are likely to fast-track him to show that he should stay.
We expect that by December 2026, Gabriel will not only be on United’s list of academy graduates, but also a goalscorer.
Manchester United break club transfer record on Elliot Anderson
Our final bold transfer prediction is that in the summer of 2026, United will break the current club transfer record of £89m spent on Paul Pogba, to sign Elliot Anderson.
WHAT are your BOLD predictions for 2026?🔮
Silverware? Big signings? Ruben Amorim's future?
Signing a star midfielder appears to be priority number one for 2026, and Anderson is the best signing the club could possibly make.
Anderson is considered United’s top target for the position, with Carlos Baleba’s struggles only making this deal more likely.
In total, the package to sign Anderson might end up costing around £100m.
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